The Paddy’s Day Draft was probably the most sober one (and longest) yet…we are a bag of mystery’s wrapped up in a blanket of confusion tossed off of a bridge of irony into a river of confusion. That’s for sure.
Stick us in a ski haus in the middle of nowhere and we drink for 23 hours a day, place us in the best city in the country on a drinking holiday and we say…nah. Let’s Draft! Well let’s preview now!!!!
As always I am doing these as if you haven’t made any changes from your draft, if your stud bull just got his nuts cut off so be it…we play the hand we are dealt, unless we are playing Go Fish…I think.
I am posting these in the order the questions were received back in, so the last person can be blamed for holding this posting up. Also goes without saying but I did your preview before reading your answers, so if there is any synergy between them blame Jem.
(Try to get that song out of your head...)
MIKE-
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? On the GrubHub scale of McDonald’s to BLT Steak … I’ll give myself a Peter Luger’s. But Peter Luger’s is better than BLT Steak you say??? I say so too. I liked my draft.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? I’ll say it was… ZACK GREINKE… and then I’ll stare at Don…
Not sure if it’s definitely one I should have changed, but that 6th round was a real tough call between two of my fav Rays – James Shields and Desmond Jennings. Took forever to figure that pick out and I’m still not 100% sold on my final decision.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Really like Bird’s. Sabermetrics Gone Wild!!! And paid off in a big way I think... Also like Wilson’s. I thought 3B and C were the thinnest positions going into the day and that Horseman walked away with some sweet ones.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why? Justin Upton. Because why not Justin Upton.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
I’m going to say the Marlins. Because I googled “hot chicks in yankee hat” and this came up…
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem? Hated it at first. On the surface level, the thought of more teams getting into the postseason seemed like a waste. You get 162 chances to make your case for playing in October and that is enough… BUT the idea that winning the division now actually matters? I like it. I like it a lot. As always,RockemSockem is perfect just the way it is.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors? Yeah, anybody else watch “Walking Dead” on AMC?
Something about draft day was so weird and I finally figured out what it was… the 12 of us were secluded in, basically, an empty building. Normally bustling, that far downtown NYC is usually quiet on the weekends but especially quiet when we all got there Saturday morning. A few police barricades scattered about for Paddy’s Day, but not much of a real police presence...
So we draft, and then we go for our mid-way Jameson shots…
And we all leave our vacant office floor and come out into a city street overrun by WALKERS!!!! Drunken WALKERS!!! Stumbling around, cant speak English anymore, you try not to make eye contact with them, WALKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Getting to that bar and back safely was like getting to the construction site for the van in Season 1!!! So much fun.
I’d smash in a zombie’s head with any of you fellows. RockemSockem forever. Happy hunting gentlemen.
Commish Take-
Back end of the snnnnnaaaaaakkkkeeee seems to treat people right this year as with no clear cut picks, getting 2 solid was the better way to go, Longoria and Upton provide damage in the bats, is this the year they both become legit MVP threats? To help out the stick the Braun-ies went with Phillips at 2b and a whole host of guys at 1b…Morales, Moreland, Gamel…just name a meaty guy who has a shot at hitting homeruns at first and odds are he is on Mike’s squad…he probably would have drafted Sloth if he was available.
On the speed side, Andrus is leading the charge with a pair of Angels backing him up (Aybar and Bourjos). If one of his young first base gambles pay off, and he took enough of them, I think things will be OK on the OFF front.
When it comes to pitching Mike looks pretty well suited there too…Greinke should probably do better now that his freaky brain had a year to settle into Milwaukee. The biggest question mark in our league is in his 2 slot (tee hee) with James Shields, I will say this now, if Shields repeats his year from last year Mike has a good shot at winning this thing. That is helped by the fact that John Lester is Mike’s number 3, not half bad. The bullpen might need some support when (not if) Putz and League go on the shelf, but overall this squad shapes up pretty good…
Prediction- Top 3rd. Mike started slow last year; I think he ends fast yet again, fighting for free eats.
BK-
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
On a scale of THREE-PEATS I will give my draft a TWO. I will need too many guys to have big comebacks/breakouts (Posey, Ike, Strasburg, Josh Johnson, Reyes, Sandoval, et alia) for C-Town to hold on this year.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked for Strasburg - I’m enjoying the hype and am buying in…innings limit be damned!
I’d change Francoeur – not only do I have zero faith that Frenchy can repeat last year’s numbers, but said numbers blinded me (with some help from the Jameson) from what I really wanted in my Utility hole – a young, black buck like John Mayberry. With retrospect, I could have taken Brett Myers as a third closer in that round, and then gotten Mayberry on the swing (both names I really wanted going into the latter part of the draft).
3. Whose team are you most impressed with? I hate to say it, but NOLA has the edge out of the gate. Softest spots are probably the easiest positions to change during the season - closer and OF. Batting Average and Saves look like the only concerns if health holds up. Moon second. Birdie third.
Who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Clayton Kershaw. I can’t see him having any regression from last year. Add a couple of CGs to his numbers, and he’ll be at the top fo’shaw.
What Team’s Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
The Brazilian Futbol Fans I know she's not a true fan, but this is a whole lot of adolescent fantasies amalgamating in one:
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB?
The added games create more possibilities. So, that will naturally bring a crazy amount of exciting scenarios. But some of those scenarios are going to seem unfair when a team we feel is undeserving gets the trophy. . .But, I guess the Cards made me feel that way in the last system. This slightly more watered down playoffs, by creating more puzzle pieces, will bring a larger mass of excitement, but I worry it won’t be poignant. I think they saw the amazing end of the regular season and decided – why not make that happen every year? All said, I’ll be watching in September. Excited. Likely discussing the scenarios with you folks. That ain’t bad.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
The boat continues to enjoy its dock. Let’s enjoy baseball.
Commish Take-
Draft day is a high holy day for all of us, but BK was put in a pickle early with his selection of Ryan Herpes.
I know it hurt to take him, but I am not sure why BK was so twisted, he should put up mega numbers, and taking him with Reyes behind him gives him a great power speed combo. So from a cold analytical stand point, I don’t understand his tension, but BK is all about the love…and I got a feeling he doesn’t love this team. Other bats to help out the top two are the reliable Holliday and Panda, to go with the injury question marks Davis and Posey. Some late breakout opportunities are there with Encarnacion, Fowler, Davis and Craig but are these yokels enough, would you be happy with this lineup? Not so much, Let’s see what the arms look like…
Well the season seems to hinge on Strasburg’s Tommy John based elbow? Hmm. Josh Johnson too…woof, they are dynamic and can be the two best pitchers in the NL, but I am not so sure about basing your staff on them. Hudson is a good 3 and Walden is a solid closer, but otherwise things are a bit odd in the pen this year for BK. Overall I am just not that sold on the champ going for his three-peat…
Prediction- Bottom 3rd. BK has always been on top, this time I think he sinks like a stone.
TOM
## How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
I would rate my draft confusing, bizarre, and pitching heavy. A lot of ? with the bats but I love my pitching....to the point that I should max out my innings somewhere near August 4th.
On a scale of 1982 Mets pitchers with Craig Swan being the best* and Pete Falcone being the worst, I would rate my team a Charlie Puleo. Wasn't that scale bizarre and confusing? See what I mean!
* first time the phrase "Craig Swan being the best" has been used since the Swan family reunion softball game in '74.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked about Adam Dunn! Fuck all y'all!
One I should have changed: Adam Dunn. Fuck me!
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
I think everyone's team sucks ass this year and there will be a 11 way tie for second/last place. Since someone has to float to the top I would have to say that I don't hate Moon's team. I hate Moon...but not his team.
## This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Well I hope it's Kemp again. Or Ian Desmond. I think this is Hanley's last chance for the big comeback while still in his prime. So he will either have a monster year or totally shit the bed again.
## 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
I'm a classic guy. Gotta go with the Dodgers on this one:
## REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem?
Isn't the fact that we let Eben in the league wild card enough? (I imagine Bull will be taking a shot at McNally on this one )
The new wild card rule is okay. Not great, not horrible. I like the idea of guaranteeing the excitement of a one game, do or die situation every year. I also like that it puts more value on winning the division. That said, when a one game playoff or a last day of the season occurs organically, it may have heightened excitement, but not necessarily. I think the worst part about the new format, is that the major selling point (the one game playoff) will be disregarded in a few years and they will expand it to a best 2 of 3 (the best of 5 series will almost definitely be expanded to best of 7 as well) - robbing the excitement and drama of the first round and pushing baseball into November almost every year. I hope that doesn't happen but I wholeheartedly believe in MLB's thought process that no idea is too terrible (like the horseshit expansion of instant replay).
## Anything To Say to your competitors?
What's the point? BK's gonna win anyway.
Commish’s Take- Just guessing here, but I doubt Tommy thought he would take 2 OF’s with his first two picks, but that is how the cookie crumbles…and in Tom's case it could be falling apart with that Adam Dun pick in the 8th round.
He was all 9 of them...
I couldn’t go one full sentence into this preview without mentioning it…what an out of left field and really left out pick, submitting himself to another year of torture. For shits and giggles, do you know Dunn’s stats last year?
The Horror
You don’t want to look at that horror show, so I will recap; he hit an astounding 11 HR’s and hit a mega .159. That’s it. Ouch. Anyway, since Tom got two guys who are trying to go 40/40 with his first two picks, he figured “F’it let me take another stab Dunn even though he anally violated me last year…he can’t be that bad again, can he?” We shall see. His team seems to be all about bounce back with Mauer, Jeter, Murphy. Yikes, Ellsbury and Kemp are going to need to go 50/50 me thinks…
On the arms side things are a lot more reliable. CC will get the wins, while King Felix gets everything else. Having 4 closers with the starting job on opening day is a real nice touch as well. Getting Morrow so late may be a real steal if he finally pulls it all together, when we look back this could be pick of the draft and solidifies Tom’s arms which look like some of the deepest in the league this year…so where are we overall?
Prediction: Just not feeling the big Galbowski’s squad this year, arms will need to carry, and maybe even hit…Bottom 3rd.
EBEN
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
This year, looking at everyone's draft, I don't see anything that adheres to a logical scale. Color systems, numbers, star charts...nada...this year was 288 picks of chaos wrapped in an enigma. So I rate my draft a blank jigsaw puzzle.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? I was actually rather excited about Carlos Santana, even though I'd never heard of him going into the draft. It warn't no Nelson Cruz or Ryan Braun in 2007 moment...but it was it's own bit of Black Magic. I think Tulowitzki is going to prove to be the dumbest fucking selection since I drafted (insert any of my past picks...although Buster Posey in Vegas comes right to mind).
3. Whose team are you most impressed with? I actually like the Commissioners team. Arod and Tex are going to try very, very hard to prove that they still have a pulse...and I think it's a bet that'll pay off...
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Clayton Kershaw is going to have a banner year. Will he be number one? I know not. But Clayton's uncle up in Kansas - Clyde Tombaugh - was the fellow who discovered Pluto (stick that in your M. Young) and so I think the family has good karma with the universe, and a quiet rage in pursuit of redemption since Pluto got de-planeted...those stogy bastards in the European Union worked hard to get Pluto declassified as a planet. Thus, Kershaw's got a bone to pick with the universe, and the hitters facing him don't even know why he's so pissed off. It's because a bloodline destined for greatness, that started on a little farm up in Kansas, has been routinely underestimated since day one.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
The Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is New York only its full of icy-blonde women.
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem?
The new system is a further money-grab, and nothing more. It's more egregious than when MLB tried to make their games only viewable on DirecTV. They were once given a monopoly exclusively because they are America's pasttime (and to enable the commissioner role and keep players in line, but all that meant was that owners became more corrupt)...the more they try to soak fans for money while upping the ante with false drama, the more they damage the sport.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
Irish blood is gonna win this year.
Commish Take- Wilson decided to employee some technology and the Mayor of NYC’s diabolical scheme’s for this years draft, will it be the future wave we all surf on or a disgusting display of greed and over reaching? Ahh who cares…what’s his squad look like!?!??
On the bat side of things Wilson stuck his Rhino horn into his old time favorites…at least he can root for his team, and most of that term “team” falls squarely on Troy Tulowitzki’s Mulleted Frame.
Suck it Mullet Boy
The legs seem to be there with speed to spare, but Tulo is going to have an MVP caliber season to keep this squad challenging in the power ranks until Big Black Ryan Howard comes back. If there are hot starts by Tulo, Zimmy and Swisher well then Wilson’s got a shot. However if things start cold or you know Alvarez gets sent to the minors, Drew is on the DL all year or Bourn goes back to being a .245 hitter (all possible) Wilson could be out of it before Howard suits up.
On the arms side of things, there is a lot more stability with Lee leading a whole host of closers to battle, or are they defending the charge....
Granted the starters could be shaky, but I got a feeling either Hughes or Buchholz finally comes of age this year and helps things along. He also has a ton of trade bait sitting there if all the closers start racking up SV’s, so he has that going for him…which is nice.
Prediction: Middle Third. I liked this team better late night on Patty’s, downgraded them a bit here to middle of the pack in the cold light of late March.
DMAC
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? Boozey...
One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? I was happy to get Verlander when I did and even happier to be able to add Weaver and Wainright to the rotation. I dig my pitching. On the other side of things, Mark Reynolds was too early and although he should get me a bunch of HRs – I’ll be happy if he bats MY weight...
Whose team are you most impressed with? I like Birdie’s squad... Which means I probably f’d up because we drafted next to each other...
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this year’s #1 overall when things are said and done? Why? Nick Markakis... Why? Because “You know I'm a dreamer but my heart's of gold...”
Two years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus) Although it pains me to say... When I went to the Mets/Braves game in Atlanta – whew... More little blond southern belles than you could shake your dick at... This pic isn’t great and its of their cheerleaders... I’m referring more to chicks that were in the stands... Which was the question... So really this pic isn’t relevant... So here’s another irrelevant pic of Rosie Jones...(Editors Note: Don Wins) REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem? I don’t dig it at all... I think it makes the 162 game season less important. I don’t know how we would even implement a wild card inRockem??
Anything to say to your competitors? A quote by Leo Durocher comes to mind...“Show me a good sportsman and I'll show you a player I'm looking to trade.” Screw all of ya!!
Commish Take-
Donny was in it to win it last year, mounting his first serious push for the title in Rockem.
All though he fell a bit short, it was a hell of an effort and all of this after I completely shit on his squad in last years predictions. Ok Bruce wasn’t that bad…sadly, but he has no big red moron this year, lets see who he is shacking up with…
On the bat side of things Adrian Gonz-o fronts the lineup, and gets some assistance from Pence, who I think is going to be massive for a full year in Philly. After that there is a sense of dice rolling, Napoli could be massive, yet he has never done it over a full season. Reynolds has the pop but average drain, and I am not a fan of the Cuddle Fish even in Colorado.
(That is only for me I am guessing...)
Speed shouldn’t be an issue with Crisp and Pagan, and solid years could be had from late picks like Kubel and Pennington. But the arms instill a lot more hope.
Verlander and Weaver are just magical up front. 2 dominant arms that are pure joys to watch work their craft on the mound and front a staff that is loaded for DonnyMac. The bullpen looks set with Papelboner, Beardy Wilson, and Houston Wrongway Street. If Wainwright bounces back (and I think he will) Don has as impressive a SP collection as anyone. But will that get him over the hump to his first Rockem Title?
Commish Prediction: Middle 3rd. I think the team is pretty good, but just a bit away from the title this year.
BIRDIE:
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
In honor of the new Anchorman sequel coming out, I rated my draft like the Brian Fantana Odion sequence in the original Anchorman movie. Started out great, iffy in the middle, and by the end “is smelled like Bigfoot’s dick”
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked about Cargo, nice to get a 5 tool guy in that part of the draft.
Unsure if Berkman was the best choice, I hope that he has one more decent year before he falls apart.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Brian. A win this year puts him on the Rockem Mount Rushmore.
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
MCab – even with one eye. With Fielder behind him I think his stats only get better.
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
Good for the MLB more teams in playoffs, more playoffs games, more money. Can’t see how it would work in our league, unless we take where you finish in the regular season and that is your seed in the first annual Rockem postseason beer pong post season tourney.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
Good Luck!
Commish Take-
Birdie took his sweet ass time as well this year, focusing on every pick, will that be time well spent or just time wasted…Time! Morris Day & The Time?!?!
On the bats side things are super impressive, Jesus... Bautista, Car Gonzo Beans and Dread Pirate could all be MVP candidates while offering a ridiculous combo of power and speed for the Ferrari. Brett Lawrie has potential to be in that category too and if he is, that just adds to this teams haul. He jumped on the youth movement with Lawrie and it continued with Dee Gordon and Dustin Ackley. The only weak link on the Offense may be if Berkman plays his age and Lawrie isn’t the real deal then the corners would need some pop, but honestly things look pretty good in Fister Cantu-Ville.
When you check out the arms you get more good news…David Price and CJ Wilson doing the do on the Starter front. Things in the pen look nice too with Santos, Nathan and Balfour. The part of the team that may be in jeopardy is pitching depth, is Beachy the real deal at number 3? Fister could work at 4 but again was last year the norm for him? Could be. We shall see. Dirty Knees. Look at These. As it is now….
Commish Prediction- Top 3rd. There’s your whammy Birdie.
VIG
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
Poopy. I drafted DL daddies
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? Ugh, Pujols. And then every other pick I would have changed
3. Whose team are you most impressed with? I really dont think anyone did exceptionally well.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Maybe Cano because he's a Yankee and that's all. Or Pettitte!
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Miami Marlins. Chicks are in shape and in bikinis all year
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I did not know it changed. I think a one game playoff is great actually. Bottom line is more baseball. One game isn't going to break the injury prone banks too often either. What do you mean for rockem? Fourth place gets free apps? I am all for creating some more drama for sure!
7. Anything To Say to your competitors? Love you guys. Looking forward to bbq. Next year we gotta speed the deal up so we can actually hang out more!
Commish Take-
Vig may have gotten a bit of a gift when The Pu-Pu Platter slipped to him at number 3, I don’t think he was expecting that, and the rest of his team looks great!!!!!! If this was 2007. Where some of us get a bit rookie erect it seems Vig pops boners for Fantasy Baseball’s Ghosts of Seasons past,
Never heard of this til now, and I want it
with selections of Utley Crawford and Rollins. All capable players with major injury question marks this year, and we aren’t even digging past the 8th round with those. Granted if Granderson is for real and Pujols is his normal self he may not need much more help on O…but I think he is going too…lets peep the Arms.
Starters are looking ripped with Big Time Timmy Jim loading the bong at the top of the staff.
Mo Riv on his farewell tour will also be dominate closing things out along with Madsen and Storen (Editors note: Ouch…sorry vig those injuries hurt in the pre season) and the back end of the starters seems really primed with Pineada, Scherzer and Johann who I have crushed on hard in the past. Who knows he may have some killer trade pieces in the bullpen to move for some young legs up top…we shall see…
Prediction: Bottom 3rd. But I predicted him down there last year and he finished in 6th so what do I know?!?!
WINSTON
1.) On a scale of baseball concessions that I've had to date, I'd liken my draft to the pierogies at PNC park. Pretty solid as far as most public pierogies are concerned, but you know you've had better. Overall a positive experience but you have a sneaking feeling that you may be spending the latter half of the game in the bano. If that becomes the case, then we are more likely talking about Ryniec's catcher helmet filled with sloppy Nachos at Twinkies stadium.
2.) I feel good about my first snake pick. I am obviously hoping for a big rebound by Hanley. Wanted Bruce this year too, so hoping for a big season there. Think things got weird right around the Choo - Ichiro Asian snake incident.
3.) Whether or not you like BK's team, you just pencil his name in at this point. As a bats focused guy, I have a healthy respect for the amount of boom stick represented by dogzilla and the commish. And that Ry-knee-ak fella's squad strikes me. I'm not exactly sure how yet, but it strikes me. Probably like those same nachos. Bad idea, but you just can't stop reaching into that bucket.
5.) Whatever town I'm in... "...but you sure can be next!".
6.) One game? It's a retarded idea and a logistical nightmare. Seriously, just make it a HR derby between the top 5 teams in each league who don't make the playoffs. That or a rain delay dance off competition. Please, just anything besides pitching.
7.) Your mom.
Commish Take-
The ass end of the snake was ridden by Winston this year and he took his sweet dam time making picks, but his first two were worth the wait as he grabbed Fielder and Hanley, a fantastic snake grab that could yield huge dividends if he doesn't eat his own ass...
(Ahh whatever happened to Dax???)
The rest of the bats on Jeff’s end look like you would expect his offense to look…meaty. He grabbed two power hitting honkeys in Bruce and Uggla, too make up for the UGLY average with those grabbed Ichiro and Choo. The Asian Sensations will make Ka En Tai look like the Jumping Bomb Angels…
or something like that. When things got late Jeff’s draft got a little dodgy (probably had to do with sobriety) Rasmus was early and who knows what he is up to this year…Overall though the bats look strong.
The arms on the other hand not so much. If Maddy Bum, who I will now call Mardy Bum so I can use this song:
stumbles a bit or hits a sophomore slump this squad is in trouble. Zimm, Sanchez and Ubaldo have upside, but all three will need to hit the jackpot for this squad to pay dividends. Motte and FF will give heartburn from the messy stinky whip, but should get saves…just don’t see the arms matching the bats on this team, but things could fall correctly….
Prediction- Middle 3rd. Think the Bad Pitch weighs down the Good Bats, keeping him mid level.
SPD
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? A dark colored, thick, solid work shirt. Nothing that I have to worry about sweating through, but it ain't no fancy cowboy dud's either. It is smart, economical and gives me a shot at promotion or at least free eats. Can't ask for much more, but there is a lack of sexiness from the NOLA players this year. Pretty sure I will sweat through this team at the rate I am going though.
One pick you were stoked about, one pick you could change?
Actually quite happy with lots of them, but I got a feeling Howie Kendrick pays off nicely for me this year and grabbing him in the 7th round just feels like it will be a steal.
Not so happy about Alfonso Soriano. Had my eye on a lot of other guys, Pena, Frank Franc, Pagan that would have fit this squad better. Was juiced up after seeing Soriano knock a few spring bombs...could have waited, or probably better yet have passed completely.
Whose Team Are You Most Impressed With?
There's over 2,000 words on this page already...do some reading on the crapper and find out.
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why? I got a feeling that the kid in Colorado is going to bust out big time...not sure if it is Car-Gonzo Beans or Tulo though...so with that said...James Shields. He is safe money assuming he racks up CG's, safe money I say...so Why didn't I draft him?!?
2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Whoever she's rooting for
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem? I love it, I think this is exactly what baseball needs, the wildcard gets diminished by having 2 of them and greater emphasis is put on the regular season division title. As long as they don't screw around much more. I wouldn't mind the Division series to be 7 games though, that would be OK too. A Premiership/Champions League would be awesome, but I couldn't live without rockem for even one year so it is never happening.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
There's over 2,050 words on this page now...do some reading on the crapper and find out.
Special Guest Preview From the one and only Don McNally:
After a triumphant pre-Paddy’s day performance with Angel & Vagabonds, the Commish showed up for draft day less banged up than we anticipated – and hoping the luck of the Irish would be with him...
And it was... For a little bit. He grabbed up Joey Votto and then locked down his CI’s with Tex and Arod. Add Kinsler in the middle of that Yankee sandwich and you’ve got an infield with a lot of pop! Especially if JJ Hardy comes through for him at short. That’s not even mentioning Kendrick, Cozart and Ortiz in the Util hole! Yup, I like Shawn’s infield. Not so much on the outfield...
Shane Victorino can EAD. I know he’s good, but fuck that little prick! There are multiplewebsites dedicated to hating that douchebag.
Editors Note, Here's Why...
I don’t really mind the rest of the outfield – be nice to see Soriano get that batting average up? But the truth is Victorino is in your outfield so I hate them all by association. On to the arms...
Commish picked up Haren to head his staff (heh hee). I love that dude! K’s, ERA, WHIP, CGs?!? He does it all. Watching Haren pitch is like watching an Angels and Vagabonds gig – practically no one on base (bass)!!! BAH-ZINNGGG!!
Add Cain, Santana and (dare I say it) Jon Niese and that’s a solid staff (heh heh – so immature). Lots of K’s for the Crawdaddies... I’d write about his closers, but history has shown I know shit about closers.
Writing this made me realize I kinda dig Shawn’s team... Except that prick, Victorino?! Jesus?! Did the guy rape my sister or something? Why do I hate him so much?
PREDICTION: This league is always so tight, so to me this part is a shot in the dark. I say bottom 3rd for no other reason than that’s where he always places me.
(Editors note: Gracias Don! Ya Facking Prick!)
FATONE
Here goes...I'm trying to get the creative juices flowing while I ride the train to my suburban oasis, not very lubed up just yet but I'm sure something will kick in in the 40 mins...
Onto the Questions!
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? im quite pleased with my draft especially on the O front with cano, hamilton, hosmer and beltre and quite a few others. Think I'm stacked there and primed for a nice trade mid season to help out the other side of the draft. I have my work cut out for me on the other side of the ball but I think I'll get it done
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? Stoked about McCann, having a solid catcher and my gut tells me I should have taken an ace early but the plan was 2B then 3B so aint nothing wrong with sticking to the plan
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
most impressed with the commishes team, covered all bases which should payoff end of season
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
I don't know, maybe a pitcher really kills it this year and finishes #1, I could see verlander being extremely tough to beat again, it prob has to a batter though so I'll say Mr K Morales
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus
I haven't been to nearly enough ballparks but I have to imagine the marlins fans may be pretty hot this year, let's go check it out!
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I like a couple more teams getting in, I'm happy with it but an RS wild card change, don't think we're there yet
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
I have my resto picked already
Commish Take:
Donny Ballgame continued his “I don’t need no stinking pitchers!”
We done need no stinken peetchers!
Trend this year and locked up batters with his first 8 picks before getting the pitcher he actually targeted 3 rounds earlier, so his offense should be pretty stacked…but will it remain fucking so??? Cano is pretty much a lock at a weak position, but Hamilton and Cruz are massive injury risks. Fatone believes in the Royals, grabbing all of them I think. Hosmer, Gordon, Moustakas, Frank White, Quisenberry, even pants shitter George Brett
(Editors Note: Hysterical... "Who are the Pitchers in this game!??")
I like them all too, but would feel better with one, not all of them on my team or if it was 1985 …then again if they are for real, look out. Some flexible mid picks (Little J Weeks, Melky, Denard Span) gives him a touch of speed and rounds out a formidable lineup, if healthy..and you know if the Royals are any good.
His homey Ian Kennedy came back to Dogzilla and looks to anchor the staff for a second year in a row…can he repeat his success, I don’t think so, but Fatty’s other pitchers are pretty legit. Waiting as long as he did and grabbing Beckett, Hellickson and Wandy makes this rotation at least interesting. Feliz is the wild card here, and I got no idea what he will give the team. I know what he won’t give him this year…saves. Donny is closer-less again…well he ate for free last year, so let’s see him pull off that trick again.
Commish Pick, Top 3rd…fighting for free eats while punting a category one more time, and shitting his pants when we leave.
BULL
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? Blazing Saddles Scale of 0 Kansas City Faggot --------------------5 Sherriff is a Near -------------------------- 10 Shit Load of Dimes
I'd say a: They said you was hung. And they was right.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Paul Konerko: That guy is money....always on teams that win leagues.
Changed: Every closer I took. Who know I'd get Fernando Rodney!
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Probably mine. I was not feeling good about going pitch-pitch when no one else took any pitchers of the first 3 rounds. However this team got out of the gate strong and who knows these kids and old timers aren't sexy but they could get the job done. The offense is much better than I thought it was going to end up.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Kemp gets it done two years in a row.....why.....his uses the same locker that Gagne used when he was the most dominating hockey goon in the history of beisbol.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Brewers over Cubs....no doubt!
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
Makes it better. When I was a kid 7 teams in a division. Winner take all. It was all about winning the division. More teams are great, but pretty ridiculous that a team can win 100 games and have zero advantage over a team that wins 84 who somehow gets the first two games at home.
Wild card for Rockem? Don't we need to contract someone first?
7. Anything To Say to your competitors? Who took my Lastings Milledge jersey? and someone take out the HighPockets....sweep the leg Johnny
Commish Take-
When we were drafting I said Bull’s team looks to be all full on feast or straight up Ethiopian famine. Bull made some sort of bad joke, and we moved on but as I write this preview will that thought stick around?!?
(ahhh you thought I was going somewhere else there didn't you...)
Bats, he waited a bit for those and grabbed D Wright for the block with the 34th overall pick. Not a bad pick for Wright, but when you are asking a guy coming off of a broken neck to lead your team…well you are asking a lot. He followed that up with a host of guys who are all over the map, Castro (consistent) Konerko (old) Jennings (young) Heyword (broken) Ramirez (AssRamming). Some late grabs like the power hitting JP in the final round might give him a spark, but this team looks to be a bit disjointed…but ahh the arms.
You know for taking Halladay and Kershaw 1-2 you would think I would love this rotation, but I am not so sold on it. Obviously those two are awesome and can carry things by themselves, but with Moore and Marcum backing them up they just may have too. The bullpen is intriguing Bailey and Soria but Myers and Venters are just as good if not better then the front too. I don’t know I thought I would like Bull’s staff more…that just sounds gay.
Prediction- Bottom 3rd. Famine city in Bullsville.
And LAST to get his answers in...
MOON
Onto the Questions!
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)? Call it a plan, strategy or randomly throwing darts, I stuck to it (the plan), mostly, although some old habits eventually reared their ugly head. I in turn ended up with the same semblance of players (along with my unsupported expectations) I normally do.
I'll give it a roku or 六
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
No doubt it was Either in the 13th round. If he can stay away from random injuries he is going to be steal at that spot. I told myself not to draft BJ Upton and I did. Round 7 ended up being a catcher run, but I only had one SP at that point and probably should have went in that direction rather than have my DL spot occupied for the first month of the season.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Gaylord went the Pitch Pitch formula that we have seen work in the past, but not sure the offense is there to support it unless D Wright (cross fingers) has an MVP season. Plus he is having a baby. Didn't have the same as the marriage effect for me, but maybe Mr. Mom will figure it out.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
If I had that answer I would have picked him with the first pick, which I hope I did with Cabrera. Ideally this comes down to consistency, staying healthy and being on a competitive team. All of which MC has. His only weakness is SB, but he clearly can compete with a monster average and ops.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus) Next stop Chicago. Wrigley here I come. Hoping this is what is in store
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem? This is not basketball or hockey where every team gets in (except the Islanders). Wild card was important to keep the races interesting when there were clear runaways with the divisions. I do not like the one game playoff. It leaves to much to chance that so often happens in baseball (injuries, bad calls, weather, etc) with no ability for teams to comeback and prove they deserve to move on.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors? What's for dinner, BK?
Commish Take:
Mr Moon Diggy, seemed to be a bit flustered this year being one half of the time devouring Ouroboros that pinned our draft to the ass end of a turtle riding on the back end of broken down Daewoo…
(A Visualization of Moon's Draft)
have I mentioned the draft was looooong. Anyway, Moon’s sweet time taking resulted in some picks that were reaches, but when you are on the front end or the ass end reach (arounds) are par for the course. Things at the top are hard to argue as he locked in his bats via Mig Cab, Pedoria and everyone's favorite guinea (Rockem participants excluded) Giancarlo. Grabbing my preseason pick for NL Cy Young this year Cole Trickle Hamels wasn’t a bad maneuver either.
Kinda looks like he could be related to Moon
Things got a bit hairy in the mid rounds though, I always thought Asdribble and Jhonny were the same person but Moon used up two picks on him. Who knows what Yu is going to do, except inspire a ton of fantasy names apparently, most medicore at best. Marmol can sink a strong ship’s WHIP with one blustery Chicago outing…Picks like Ethier, Butler, Masterson and Worley simply scream…MEAH!!!
In the end when we look again it seems monster years will be needed from the top four to drop Moon in the Money…you know if there was any money to get.
Prediction: Middle Third. Just can’t see the Grub Hub Bub getting in the free eats with this squad.
Overall Predictions:
Here’s way I say the patented sentences and I seriously mean them (Except for last year when BK killed us):
The league is waaaay to tight, injuries and breakout seasons is what will decide this year’s champ.
It will come down to the final days like always and something weird will probably decide the title and who eats for free.
I seriously believe anyone can win this thing…and the great thing is, someone will.
Ok with that said…here are my predictions for Rockem Sockem 11:
12- Bull
11- Vig
10- BK
9- Tom
8- Moon
7- Eben
6- McNally
5- Jeff
4- Fatone
3- Mike
2- Donohue
1- Birdie
2012 Preview
The Paddy’s Day Draft was probably the most sober one (and longest) yet…we are a bag of mystery’s wrapped up in a blanket of confusion tossed off of a bridge of irony into a river of confusion. That’s for sure.
Stick us in a ski haus in the middle of nowhere and we drink for 23 hours a day, place us in the best city in the country on a drinking holiday and we say…nah. Let’s Draft! Well let’s preview now!!!!
As always I am doing these as if you haven’t made any changes from your draft, if your stud bull just got his nuts cut off so be it…we play the hand we are dealt, unless we are playing Go Fish…I think.
I am posting these in the order the questions were received back in, so the last person can be blamed for holding this posting up. Also goes without saying but I did your preview before reading your answers, so if there is any synergy between them blame Jem.
(Try to get that song out of your head...)
MIKE-
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?On the GrubHub scale of McDonald’s to BLT Steak … I’ll give myself a Peter Luger’s. But Peter Luger’s is better than BLT Steak you say??? I say so too. I liked my draft.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
I’ll say it was… ZACK GREINKE… and then I’ll stare at Don…
Not sure if it’s definitely one I should have changed, but that 6th round was a real tough call between two of my fav Rays – James Shields and Desmond Jennings. Took forever to figure that pick out and I’m still not 100% sold on my final decision.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Really like Bird’s. Sabermetrics Gone Wild!!! And paid off in a big way I think... Also like Wilson’s. I thought 3B and C were the thinnest positions going into the day and that Horseman walked away with some sweet ones.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Justin Upton. Because why not Justin Upton.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
I’m going to say the Marlins. Because I googled “hot chicks in yankee hat” and this came up…
http://hotchickswithbigfish.wordpress.com/
that a midget in there about halfway down???
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
Hated it at first. On the surface level, the thought of more teams getting into the postseason seemed like a waste. You get 162 chances to make your case for playing in October and that is enough… BUT the idea that winning the division now actually matters? I like it. I like it a lot.
As always, Rockem Sockem is perfect just the way it is.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
Yeah, anybody else watch “Walking Dead” on AMC?
Something about draft day was so weird and I finally figured out what it was… the 12 of us were secluded in, basically, an empty building. Normally bustling, that far downtown NYC is usually quiet on the weekends but especially quiet when we all got there Saturday morning. A few police barricades scattered about for Paddy’s Day, but not much of a real police presence...
So we draft, and then we go for our mid-way Jameson shots…
And we all leave our vacant office floor and come out into a city street overrun by WALKERS!!!! Drunken WALKERS!!! Stumbling around, cant speak English anymore, you try not to make eye contact with them, WALKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Getting to that bar and back safely was like getting to the construction site for the van in Season 1!!! So much fun.
I’d smash in a zombie’s head with any of you fellows. Rockem Sockem forever. Happy hunting gentlemen.
Commish Take-
Back end of the snnnnnaaaaaakkkkeeee seems to treat people right this year as with no clear cut picks, getting 2 solid was the better way to go, Longoria and Upton provide damage in the bats, is this the year they both become legit MVP threats? To help out the stick the Braun-ies went with Phillips at 2b and a whole host of guys at 1b…Morales, Moreland, Gamel…just name a meaty guy who has a shot at hitting homeruns at first and odds are he is on Mike’s squad…he probably would have drafted Sloth if he was available.
On the speed side, Andrus is leading the charge with a pair of Angels backing him up (Aybar and Bourjos). If one of his young first base gambles pay off, and he took enough of them, I think things will be OK on the OFF front.
When it comes to pitching Mike looks pretty well suited there too…Greinke should probably do better now that his freaky brain had a year to settle into Milwaukee. The biggest question mark in our league is in his 2 slot (tee hee) with James Shields, I will say this now, if Shields repeats his year from last year Mike has a good shot at winning this thing. That is helped by the fact that John Lester is Mike’s number 3, not half bad. The bullpen might need some support when (not if) Putz and League go on the shelf, but overall this squad shapes up pretty good…
Prediction- Top 3rd. Mike started slow last year; I think he ends fast yet again, fighting for free eats.
BK-
On a scale of THREE-PEATS I will give my draft a TWO.
I will need too many guys to have big comebacks/breakouts (Posey, Ike, Strasburg, Josh Johnson, Reyes, Sandoval, et alia) for C-Town to hold on this year.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked for Strasburg - I’m enjoying the hype and am buying in…innings limit be damned!
I’d change Francoeur – not only do I have zero faith that Frenchy can repeat last year’s numbers, but said numbers blinded me (with some help from the Jameson) from what I really wanted in my Utility hole – a young, black buck like John Mayberry. With retrospect, I could have taken Brett Myers as a third closer in that round, and then gotten Mayberry on the swing (both names I really wanted going into the latter part of the draft).
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
I hate to say it, but NOLA has the edge out of the gate. Softest spots are probably the easiest positions to change during the season - closer and OF. Batting Average and Saves look like the only concerns if health holds up.
Moon second.
Birdie third.
Clayton Kershaw.
I can’t see him having any regression from last year. Add a couple of CGs to his numbers, and he’ll be at the top fo’shaw.
What Team’s Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
The Brazilian Futbol Fans
I know she's not a true fan, but this is a whole lot of adolescent fantasies amalgamating in one:
The added games create more possibilities. So, that will naturally bring a crazy amount of exciting scenarios. But some of those scenarios are going to seem unfair when a team we feel is undeserving gets the trophy. . .But, I guess the Cards made me feel that way in the last system.
This slightly more watered down playoffs, by creating more puzzle pieces, will bring a larger mass of excitement, but I worry it won’t be poignant.
I think they saw the amazing end of the regular season and decided – why not make that happen every year?
All said, I’ll be watching in September. Excited. Likely discussing the scenarios with you folks. That ain’t bad.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
The boat continues to enjoy its dock.
Let’s enjoy baseball.
Commish Take-
Draft day is a high holy day for all of us, but BK was put in a pickle early with his selection of Ryan Herpes.
I know it hurt to take him, but I am not sure why BK was so twisted, he should put up mega numbers, and taking him with Reyes behind him gives him a great power speed combo. So from a cold analytical stand point, I don’t understand his tension, but BK is all about the love…and I got a feeling he doesn’t love this team. Other bats to help out the top two are the reliable Holliday and Panda, to go with the injury question marks Davis and Posey. Some late breakout opportunities are there with Encarnacion, Fowler, Davis and Craig but are these yokels enough, would you be happy with this lineup? Not so much, Let’s see what the arms look like…
Well the season seems to hinge on Strasburg’s Tommy John based elbow? Hmm. Josh Johnson too…woof, they are dynamic and can be the two best pitchers in the NL, but I am not so sure about basing your staff on them. Hudson is a good 3 and Walden is a solid closer, but otherwise things are a bit odd in the pen this year for BK. Overall I am just not that sold on the champ going for his three-peat…
Prediction- Bottom 3rd. BK has always been on top, this time I think he sinks like a stone.
TOM
- ## How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
I would rate my draft confusing, bizarre, and pitching heavy. A lot of ? with the bats but I love my pitching....to the point that I should max out my innings somewhere near August 4th.On a scale of 1982 Mets pitchers with Craig Swan being the best* and Pete Falcone being the worst, I would rate my team a Charlie Puleo. Wasn't that scale bizarre and confusing? See what I mean!
* first time the phrase "Craig Swan being the best" has been used since the Swan family reunion softball game in '74.
- 2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked about Adam Dunn! Fuck all y'all!One I should have changed: Adam Dunn. Fuck me!
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
I think everyone's team sucks ass this year and there will be a 11 way tie for second/last place. Since someone has to float to the top I would have to say that I don't hate Moon's team. I hate Moon...but not his team.
- ## This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Well I hope it's Kemp again. Or Ian Desmond. I think this is Hanley's last chance for the big comeback while still in his prime. So he will either have a monster year or totally shit the bed again.- ## 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
I'm a classic guy. Gotta go with the Dodgers on this one:- ## REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem?
Isn't the fact that we let Eben in the league wild card enough? (I imagine Bull will be taking a shot at McNally on this one )The new wild card rule is okay. Not great, not horrible. I like the idea of guaranteeing the excitement of a one game, do or die situation every year. I also like that it puts more value on winning the division. That said, when a one game playoff or a last day of the season occurs organically, it may have heightened excitement, but not necessarily. I think the worst part about the new format, is that the major selling point (the one game playoff) will be disregarded in a few years and they will expand it to a best 2 of 3 (the best of 5 series will almost definitely be expanded to best of 7 as well) - robbing the excitement and drama of the first round and pushing baseball into November almost every year. I hope that doesn't happen but I wholeheartedly believe in MLB's thought process that no idea is too terrible (like the horseshit expansion of instant replay).
- ## Anything To Say to your competitors?
What's the point? BK's gonna win anyway.Commish’s Take-
Just guessing here, but I doubt Tommy thought he would take 2 OF’s with his first two picks, but that is how the cookie crumbles…and in Tom's case it could be falling apart with that Adam Dun pick in the 8th round.
I couldn’t go one full sentence into this preview without mentioning it…what an out of left field and really left out pick, submitting himself to another year of torture. For shits and giggles, do you know Dunn’s stats last year?
You don’t want to look at that horror show, so I will recap; he hit an astounding 11 HR’s and hit a mega .159. That’s it. Ouch. Anyway, since Tom got two guys who are trying to go 40/40 with his first two picks, he figured “F’it let me take another stab Dunn even though he anally violated me last year…he can’t be that bad again, can he?” We shall see. His team seems to be all about bounce back with Mauer, Jeter, Murphy. Yikes, Ellsbury and Kemp are going to need to go 50/50 me thinks…
On the arms side things are a lot more reliable. CC will get the wins, while King Felix gets everything else. Having 4 closers with the starting job on opening day is a real nice touch as well. Getting Morrow so late may be a real steal if he finally pulls it all together, when we look back this could be pick of the draft and solidifies Tom’s arms which look like some of the deepest in the league this year…so where are we overall?
Prediction: Just not feeling the big Galbowski’s squad this year, arms will need to carry, and maybe even hit…Bottom 3rd.
EBEN
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?This year, looking at everyone's draft, I don't see anything that adheres to a logical scale. Color systems, numbers, star charts...nada...this year was 288 picks of chaos wrapped in an enigma. So I rate my draft a blank jigsaw puzzle.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
I was actually rather excited about Carlos Santana, even though I'd never heard of him going into the draft. It warn't no Nelson Cruz or Ryan Braun in 2007 moment...but it was it's own bit of Black Magic. I think Tulowitzki is going to prove to be the dumbest fucking selection since I drafted (insert any of my past picks...although Buster Posey in Vegas comes right to mind).
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
I actually like the Commissioners team. Arod and Tex are going to try very, very hard to prove that they still have a pulse...and I think it's a bet that'll pay off...
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Clayton Kershaw is going to have a banner year. Will he be number one? I know not. But Clayton's uncle up in Kansas - Clyde Tombaugh - was the fellow who discovered Pluto (stick that in your M. Young) and so I think the family has good karma with the universe, and a quiet rage in pursuit of redemption since Pluto got de-planeted...those stogy bastards in the European Union worked hard to get Pluto declassified as a planet. Thus, Kershaw's got a bone to pick with the universe, and the hitters facing him don't even know why he's so pissed off. It's because a bloodline destined for greatness, that started on a little farm up in Kansas, has been routinely underestimated since day one.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
The Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is New York only its full of icy-blonde women.
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card forRockem?
The new system is a further money-grab, and nothing more. It's more egregious than when MLB tried to make their games only viewable on DirecTV. They were once given a monopoly exclusively because they are America's pasttime (and to enable the commissioner role and keep players in line, but all that meant was that owners became more corrupt)...the more they try to soak fans for money while upping the ante with false drama, the more they damage the sport.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
Irish blood is gonna win this year.
Commish Take-
Wilson decided to employee some technology and the Mayor of NYC’s diabolical scheme’s for this years draft, will it be the future wave we all surf on or a disgusting display of greed and over reaching? Ahh who cares…what’s his squad look like!?!??
On the bat side of things Wilson stuck his Rhino horn into his old time favorites…at least he can root for his team, and most of that term “team” falls squarely on Troy Tulowitzki’s Mulleted Frame.
The legs seem to be there with speed to spare, but Tulo is going to have an MVP caliber season to keep this squad challenging in the power ranks until Big Black Ryan Howard comes back. If there are hot starts by Tulo, Zimmy and Swisher well then Wilson’s got a shot. However if things start cold or you know Alvarez gets sent to the minors, Drew is on the DL all year or Bourn goes back to being a .245 hitter (all possible) Wilson could be out of it before Howard suits up.
On the arms side of things, there is a lot more stability with Lee leading a whole host of closers to battle, or are they defending the charge....
Granted the starters could be shaky, but I got a feeling either Hughes or Buchholz finally comes of age this year and helps things along. He also has a ton of trade bait sitting there if all the closers start racking up SV’s, so he has that going for him…which is nice.
Prediction: Middle Third. I liked this team better late night on Patty’s, downgraded them a bit here to middle of the pack in the cold light of late March.
DMAC
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?Boozey...
One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
I was happy to get Verlander when I did and even happier to be able to add Weaver and Wainright to the rotation. I dig my pitching. On the other side of things, Mark Reynolds was too early and although he should get me a bunch of HRs – I’ll be happy if he bats MY weight...
Whose team are you most impressed with?
I like Birdie’s squad... Which means I probably f’d up because we drafted next to each other...
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this year’s #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Nick Markakis... Why? Because “You know I'm a dreamer but my heart's of gold...”
Two years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Although it pains me to say... When I went to the Mets/Braves game in Atlanta – whew... More little blond southern belles than you could shake your dick at... This pic isn’t great and its of their cheerleaders... I’m referring more to chicks that were in the stands... Which was the question... So really this pic isn’t relevant...
So here’s another irrelevant pic of Rosie Jones...(Editors Note: Don Wins)
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I don’t dig it at all... I think it makes the 162 game season less important. I don’t know how we would even implement a wild card in Rockem??
Anything to say to your competitors?
A quote by Leo Durocher comes to mind... “Show me a good sportsman and I'll show you a player I'm looking to trade.” Screw all of ya!!
Commish Take-
Donny was in it to win it last year, mounting his first serious push for the title in Rockem.
All though he fell a bit short, it was a hell of an effort and all of this after I completely shit on his squad in last years predictions. Ok Bruce wasn’t that bad…sadly, but he has no big red moron this year, lets see who he is shacking up with…
On the bat side of things Adrian Gonz-o fronts the lineup, and gets some assistance from Pence, who I think is going to be massive for a full year in Philly. After that there is a sense of dice rolling, Napoli could be massive, yet he has never done it over a full season. Reynolds has the pop but average drain, and I am not a fan of the Cuddle Fish even in Colorado.
(That is only for me I am guessing...)
Speed shouldn’t be an issue with Crisp and Pagan, and solid years could be had from late picks like Kubel and Pennington. But the arms instill a lot more hope.
Verlander and Weaver are just magical up front. 2 dominant arms that are pure joys to watch work their craft on the mound and front a staff that is loaded for DonnyMac. The bullpen looks set with Papelboner, Beardy Wilson, and Houston Wrongway Street. If Wainwright bounces back (and I think he will) Don has as impressive a SP collection as anyone. But will that get him over the hump to his first Rockem Title?
Commish Prediction: Middle 3rd. I think the team is pretty good, but just a bit away from the title this year.
BIRDIE:
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?In honor of the new Anchorman sequel coming out, I rated my draft like the Brian Fantana Odion sequence in the original Anchorman movie. Started out great, iffy in the middle, and by the end “is smelled like Bigfoot’s dick”
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked about Cargo, nice to get a 5 tool guy in that part of the draft.
Unsure if Berkman was the best choice, I hope that he has one more decent year before he falls apart.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Brian. A win this year puts him on the Rockem Mount Rushmore.
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
MCab – even with one eye. With Fielder behind him I think his stats only get better.
2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2012/04/02/these-girls-can-take-me-out-to-the-ballpark-58-photos/
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
Good for the MLB more teams in playoffs, more playoffs games, more money. Can’t see how it would work in our league, unless we take where you finish in the regular season and that is your seed in the first annual Rockem postseason beer pong post season tourney.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
Good Luck!
Commish Take-
Birdie took his sweet ass time as well this year, focusing on every pick, will that be time well spent or just time wasted…Time! Morris Day & The Time?!?!
On the bats side things are super impressive, Jesus... Bautista, Car Gonzo Beans and Dread Pirate could all be MVP candidates while offering a ridiculous combo of power and speed for the Ferrari. Brett Lawrie has potential to be in that category too and if he is, that just adds to this teams haul. He jumped on the youth movement with Lawrie and it continued with Dee Gordon and Dustin Ackley. The only weak link on the Offense may be if Berkman plays his age and Lawrie isn’t the real deal then the corners would need some pop, but honestly things look pretty good in Fister Cantu-Ville.
When you check out the arms you get more good news…David Price and CJ Wilson doing the do on the Starter front. Things in the pen look nice too with Santos, Nathan and Balfour. The part of the team that may be in jeopardy is pitching depth, is Beachy the real deal at number 3? Fister could work at 4 but again was last year the norm for him? Could be. We shall see. Dirty Knees. Look at These. As it is now….
Commish Prediction- Top 3rd. There’s your whammy Birdie.
VIG
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?Poopy. I drafted DL daddies
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Ugh, Pujols. And then every other pick I would have changed
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
I really dont think anyone did exceptionally well.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Maybe Cano because he's a Yankee and that's all. Or Pettitte!
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Miami Marlins. Chicks are in shape and in bikinis all year
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I did not know it changed. I think a one game playoff is great actually. Bottom line is more baseball. One game isn't going to break the injury prone banks too often either. What do you mean for rockem? Fourth place gets free apps? I am all for creating some more drama for sure!
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
Love you guys. Looking forward to bbq. Next year we gotta speed the deal up so we can actually hang out more!
Commish Take-
Vig may have gotten a bit of a gift when The Pu-Pu Platter slipped to him at number 3, I don’t think he was expecting that, and the rest of his team looks great!!!!!! If this was 2007. Where some of us get a bit rookie erect it seems Vig pops boners for Fantasy Baseball’s Ghosts of Seasons past,
with selections of Utley Crawford and Rollins. All capable players with major injury question marks this year, and we aren’t even digging past the 8th round with those. Granted if Granderson is for real and Pujols is his normal self he may not need much more help on O…but I think he is going too…lets peep the Arms.
Starters are looking ripped with Big Time Timmy Jim loading the bong at the top of the staff.
Mo Riv on his farewell tour will also be dominate closing things out along with Madsen and Storen (Editors note: Ouch…sorry vig those injuries hurt in the pre season) and the back end of the starters seems really primed with Pineada, Scherzer and Johann who I have crushed on hard in the past. Who knows he may have some killer trade pieces in the bullpen to move for some young legs up top…we shall see…
Prediction: Bottom 3rd. But I predicted him down there last year and he finished in 6th so what do I know?!?!
WINSTON
1.) On a scale of baseball concessions that I've had to date, I'd liken my draft to the pierogies at PNC park. Pretty solid as far as most public pierogies are concerned, but you know you've had better. Overall a positive experience but you have a sneaking feeling that you may be spending the latter half of the game in the bano. If that becomes the case, then we are more likely talking about Ryniec's catcher helmet filled with sloppy Nachos at Twinkies stadium.2.) I feel good about my first snake pick. I am obviously hoping for a big rebound by Hanley. Wanted Bruce this year too, so hoping for a big season there. Think things got weird right around the Choo - Ichiro Asian snake incident.
3.) Whether or not you like BK's team, you just pencil his name in at this point. As a bats focused guy, I have a healthy respect for the amount of boom stick represented by dogzilla and the commish. And that Ry-knee-ak fella's squad strikes me. I'm not exactly sure how yet, but it strikes me. Probably like those same nachos. Bad idea, but you just can't stop reaching into that bucket.
4.) Anybody with orange hair. Hanley, Jose, Prince, Capt Jolly Roger, Vin Scully.
5.) Whatever town I'm in... "...but you sure can be next!".
6.) One game? It's a retarded idea and a logistical nightmare. Seriously, just make it a HR derby between the top 5 teams in each league who don't make the playoffs. That or a rain delay dance off competition. Please, just anything besides pitching.
7.) Your mom.
Commish Take-
The ass end of the snake was ridden by Winston this year and he took his sweet dam time making picks, but his first two were worth the wait as he grabbed Fielder and Hanley, a fantastic snake grab that could yield huge dividends if he doesn't eat his own ass...
(Ahh whatever happened to Dax???)
The rest of the bats on Jeff’s end look like you would expect his offense to look…meaty. He grabbed two power hitting honkeys in Bruce and Uggla, too make up for the UGLY average with those grabbed Ichiro and Choo. The Asian Sensations will make Ka En Tai look like the Jumping Bomb Angels…
or something like that. When things got late Jeff’s draft got a little dodgy (probably had to do with sobriety) Rasmus was early and who knows what he is up to this year…Overall though the bats look strong.
The arms on the other hand not so much. If Maddy Bum, who I will now call Mardy Bum so I can use this song:
stumbles a bit or hits a sophomore slump this squad is in trouble. Zimm, Sanchez and Ubaldo have upside, but all three will need to hit the jackpot for this squad to pay dividends. Motte and FF will give heartburn from the messy stinky whip, but should get saves…just don’t see the arms matching the bats on this team, but things could fall correctly….
Prediction- Middle 3rd. Think the Bad Pitch weighs down the Good Bats, keeping him mid level.
SPD
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?A dark colored, thick, solid work shirt. Nothing that I have to worry about sweating through, but it ain't no fancy cowboy dud's either. It is smart, economical and gives me a shot at promotion or at least free eats. Can't ask for much more, but there is a lack of sexiness from the NOLA players this year. Pretty sure I will sweat through this team at the rate I am going though.
One pick you were stoked about, one pick you could change?
Actually quite happy with lots of them, but I got a feeling Howie Kendrick pays off nicely for me this year and grabbing him in the 7th round just feels like it will be a steal.
Not so happy about Alfonso Soriano. Had my eye on a lot of other guys, Pena, Frank Franc, Pagan that would have fit this squad better. Was juiced up after seeing Soriano knock a few spring bombs...could have waited, or probably better yet have passed completely.
Whose Team Are You Most Impressed With?
There's over 2,000 words on this page already...do some reading on the crapper and find out.
This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
I got a feeling that the kid in Colorado is going to bust out big time...not sure if it is Car-Gonzo Beans or Tulo though...so with that said...James Shields. He is safe money assuming he racks up CG's, safe money I say...so Why didn't I draft him?!?
2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I love it, I think this is exactly what baseball needs, the wildcard gets diminished by having 2 of them and greater emphasis is put on the regular season division title. As long as they don't screw around much more. I wouldn't mind the Division series to be 7 games though, that would be OK too. A Premiership/Champions League would be awesome, but I couldn't live without rockem for even one year so it is never happening.
Anything To Say to your competitors?
There's over 2,050 words on this page now...do some reading on the crapper and find out.
Special Guest Preview From the one and only Don McNally:
After a triumphant pre-Paddy’s day performance with Angel & Vagabonds, the Commish showed up for draft day less banged up than we anticipated – and hoping the luck of the Irish would be with him...
And it was... For a little bit. He grabbed up Joey Votto and then locked down his CI’s with Tex and Arod. Add Kinsler in the middle of that Yankee sandwich and you’ve got an infield with a lot of pop! Especially if JJ Hardy comes through for him at short. That’s not even mentioning Kendrick, Cozart and Ortiz in the Util hole! Yup, I like Shawn’s infield. Not so much on the outfield...
Shane Victorino can EAD. I know he’s good, but fuck that little prick! There are multiple websites dedicated to hating that douchebag.
I don’t really mind the rest of the outfield – be nice to see Soriano get that batting average up? But the truth is Victorino is in your outfield so I hate them all by association. On to the arms...
Commish picked up Haren to head his staff (heh hee). I love that dude! K’s, ERA, WHIP, CGs?!? He does it all. Watching Haren pitch is like watching an Angels and Vagabonds gig – practically no one on base (bass)!!! BAH-ZINNGGG!!
Add Cain, Santana and (dare I say it) Jon Niese and that’s a solid staff (heh heh – so immature). Lots of K’s for the Crawdaddies... I’d write about his closers, but history has shown I know shit about closers.
Writing this made me realize I kinda dig Shawn’s team... Except that prick, Victorino?! Jesus?! Did the guy rape my sister or something? Why do I hate him so much?
PREDICTION: This league is always so tight, so to me this part is a shot in the dark. I say bottom 3rd for no other reason than that’s where he always places me.
(Editors note: Gracias Don! Ya Facking Prick!)
FATONE
Here goes...I'm trying to get the creative juices flowing while I ride the train to my suburban oasis, not very lubed up just yet but I'm sure something will kick in in the 40 mins...Onto the Questions!
1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
im quite pleased with my draft especially on the O front with cano, hamilton, hosmer and beltre and quite a few others. Think I'm stacked there and primed for a nice trade mid season to help out the other side of the draft. I have my work cut out for me on the other side of the ball but I think I'll get it done
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Stoked about McCann, having a solid catcher and my gut tells me I should have taken an ace early but the plan was 2B then 3B so aint nothing wrong with sticking to the plan
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
most impressed with the commishes team, covered all bases which should payoff end of season
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
I don't know, maybe a pitcher really kills it this year and finishes #1, I could see verlander being extremely tough to beat again, it prob has to a batter though so I'll say Mr K Morales
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus
I haven't been to nearly enough ballparks but I have to imagine the marlins fans may be pretty hot this year, let's go check it out!
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
I like a couple more teams getting in, I'm happy with it but an RS wild card change, don't think we're there yet
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
I have my resto picked already
Commish Take:
Donny Ballgame continued his “I don’t need no stinking pitchers!”
Trend this year and locked up batters with his first 8 picks before getting the pitcher he actually targeted 3 rounds earlier, so his offense should be pretty stacked…but will it remain fucking so??? Cano is pretty much a lock at a weak position, but Hamilton and Cruz are massive injury risks. Fatone believes in the Royals, grabbing all of them I think. Hosmer, Gordon, Moustakas, Frank White, Quisenberry, even pants shitter George Brett
(Editors Note: Hysterical... "Who are the Pitchers in this game!??")
I like them all too, but would feel better with one, not all of them on my team or if it was 1985 …then again if they are for real, look out. Some flexible mid picks (Little J Weeks, Melky, Denard Span) gives him a touch of speed and rounds out a formidable lineup, if healthy..and you know if the Royals are any good.
His homey Ian Kennedy came back to Dogzilla and looks to anchor the staff for a second year in a row…can he repeat his success, I don’t think so, but Fatty’s other pitchers are pretty legit. Waiting as long as he did and grabbing Beckett, Hellickson and Wandy makes this rotation at least interesting. Feliz is the wild card here, and I got no idea what he will give the team. I know what he won’t give him this year…saves. Donny is closer-less again…well he ate for free last year, so let’s see him pull off that trick again.
Commish Pick, Top 3rd…fighting for free eats while punting a category one more time, and shitting his pants when we leave.
BULL
How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
Blazing Saddles Scale of
0 Kansas City Faggot --------------------5 Sherriff is a Near -------------------------- 10 Shit Load of Dimes
I'd say a: They said you was hung.
And they was right.
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
Paul Konerko: That guy is money....always on teams that win leagues.
Changed: Every closer I took. Who know I'd get Fernando Rodney!
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Probably mine. I was not feeling good about going pitch-pitch when no one else took any pitchers of the first 3 rounds. However this team got out of the gate strong and who knows these kids and old timers aren't sexy but they could get the job done. The offense is much better than I thought it was going to end up.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
Kemp gets it done two years in a row.....why.....his uses the same locker that Gagne used when he was the most dominating hockey goon in the history of beisbol.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Brewers over Cubs....no doubt!
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
Makes it better. When I was a kid 7 teams in a division. Winner take all. It was all about winning the division. More teams are great, but pretty ridiculous that a team can win 100 games and have zero advantage over a team that wins 84 who somehow gets the first two games at home.
Wild card for Rockem? Don't we need to contract someone first?
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
Who took my Lastings Milledge jersey? and someone take out the HighPockets....sweep the leg Johnny
Commish Take-
When we were drafting I said Bull’s team looks to be all full on feast or straight up Ethiopian famine. Bull made some sort of bad joke, and we moved on but as I write this preview will that thought stick around?!?
(ahhh you thought I was going somewhere else there didn't you...)
Bats, he waited a bit for those and grabbed D Wright for the block with the 34th overall pick. Not a bad pick for Wright, but when you are asking a guy coming off of a broken neck to lead your team…well you are asking a lot. He followed that up with a host of guys who are all over the map, Castro (consistent) Konerko (old) Jennings (young) Heyword (broken) Ramirez (AssRamming). Some late grabs like the power hitting JP in the final round might give him a spark, but this team looks to be a bit disjointed…but ahh the arms.
You know for taking Halladay and Kershaw 1-2 you would think I would love this rotation, but I am not so sold on it. Obviously those two are awesome and can carry things by themselves, but with Moore and Marcum backing them up they just may have too. The bullpen is intriguing Bailey and Soria but Myers and Venters are just as good if not better then the front too. I don’t know I thought I would like Bull’s staff more…that just sounds gay.
Prediction- Bottom 3rd. Famine city in Bullsville.
And LAST to get his answers in...
MOON
Onto the Questions!1. How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
Call it a plan, strategy or randomly throwing darts, I stuck to it (the plan), mostly, although some old habits eventually reared their ugly head. I in turn ended up with the same semblance of players (along with my unsupported expectations) I normally do.
I'll give it a roku or 六
2. One Pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
No doubt it was Either in the 13th round. If he can stay away from random injuries he is going to be steal at that spot. I told myself not to draft BJ Upton and I did. Round 7 ended up being a catcher run, but I only had one SP at that point and probably should have went in that direction rather than have my DL spot occupied for the first month of the season.
3. Whose team are you most impressed with?
Gaylord went the Pitch Pitch formula that we have seen work in the past, but not sure the offense is there to support it unless D Wright (cross fingers) has an MVP season. Plus he is having a baby. Didn't have the same as the marriage effect for me, but maybe Mr. Mom will figure it out.
4. This year really had no clear cut picks (hence our longest draft) including the first round. Last year the #1 player when the year was done was Matt Kemp, who do you think will be this years #1 overall when things are said and done? Why?
If I had that answer I would have picked him with the first pick, which I hope I did with Cabrera. Ideally this comes down to consistency, staying healthy and being on a competitive team. All of which MC has. His only weakness is SB, but he clearly can compete with a monster average and ops.
5. 2 Years ago we asked about hot chicks ball players were banging, last year it was man crushes…this year we are looking back to the fairer sex and specifically: What Teams Fans Are The Hottest? (Commish Note: Pictures are a plus)
Next stop Chicago. Wrigley here I come. Hoping this is what is in store
6. REAL BASEBALL QUESTION ALERT!!! What do you think of the new Wild Card system in MLB…did you even know it changed?!? Should we institute some sort of Wild Card for Rockem?
This is not basketball or hockey where every team gets in (except the Islanders). Wild card was important to keep the races interesting when there were clear runaways with the divisions. I do not like the one game playoff. It leaves to much to chance that so often happens in baseball (injuries, bad calls, weather, etc) with no ability for teams to comeback and prove they deserve to move on.
7. Anything To Say to your competitors?
What's for dinner, BK?
Commish Take:
Mr Moon Diggy, seemed to be a bit flustered this year being one half of the time devouring Ouroboros that pinned our draft to the ass end of a turtle riding on the back end of broken down Daewoo…
(A Visualization of Moon's Draft)
have I mentioned the draft was looooong. Anyway, Moon’s sweet time taking resulted in some picks that were reaches, but when you are on the front end or the ass end reach (arounds) are par for the course. Things at the top are hard to argue as he locked in his bats via Mig Cab, Pedoria and everyone's favorite guinea (Rockem participants excluded) Giancarlo. Grabbing my preseason pick for NL Cy Young this year Cole Trickle Hamels wasn’t a bad maneuver either.
Things got a bit hairy in the mid rounds though, I always thought Asdribble and Jhonny were the same person but Moon used up two picks on him. Who knows what Yu is going to do, except inspire a ton of fantasy names apparently, most medicore at best. Marmol can sink a strong ship’s WHIP with one blustery Chicago outing…Picks like Ethier, Butler, Masterson and Worley simply scream…MEAH!!!
In the end when we look again it seems monster years will be needed from the top four to drop Moon in the Money…you know if there was any money to get.
Prediction: Middle Third. Just can’t see the Grub Hub Bub getting in the free eats with this squad.
Overall Predictions:
Here’s way I say the patented sentences and I seriously mean them (Except for last year when BK killed us):
The league is waaaay to tight, injuries and breakout seasons is what will decide this year’s champ.
It will come down to the final days like always and something weird will probably decide the title and who eats for free.
I seriously believe anyone can win this thing…and the great thing is, someone will.
Ok with that said…here are my predictions for Rockem Sockem 11:
12- Bull
11- Vig
10- BK
9- Tom
8- Moon
7- Eben
6- McNally
5- Jeff
4- Fatone
3- Mike
2- Donohue
1- Birdie